The Sutherland Plaza at Penn State Abington.
ABINGTON, Pa. — Although Penn State Abington has moved to remote teaching for the rest of the spring semester due to the coronavirus pandemic, the college is committed to supporting its students by remaining connected to them outside of the classroom, too.
Through daily and weekly emails to students, Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL), the Center for Career and Professional Development, and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) are maintaining active programming schedules by virtually engaging students with the campus community and beyond.
“All students want to feel some type of normalcy at this point and virtual parties, meetings, and programs will be key to resuming some of what the students value most about their Penn State Abington experience.”
— Aneesah Smith, director, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
ODEI is still providing a place for students to explore their identities, learn about others, and find community. Organizations ODEI coordinates such as Sister 2 Sister, and I’m First for first-generation college students, are hosting virtual meetings using Zoom video conferencing.
“I believe that staying connected outside of the classroom is essential to the well-being of our students. Being able to connect with members of their community, whether they have similar cultural identities, interests, or student organization affiliation, it is uplifting and encouraging,” Aneesah Smith, the director of ODEI, said.
“All students want to feel some type of normalcy at this point and virtual parties, meetings, and programs will be key to resuming some of what the students value most about their Penn State Abington experience," said Smith.
The Center for Career and Professional Development is still engaging students in career exploration, internships, job searches, and access to virtual career tools, resources and events. According to the center, employers are still hiring, and they have quickly adapted the way they recruit to meet students online for opportunities, information sessions, and interviews.
SEAL is working with student organizations to plan and advertise virtual general meetings and host online events. Students should be sure to go to Get Connected for updates on programs and meetings.
About Penn State Abington
Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With about 3,700 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 21 majors, undergraduate research, the Schreyer honors program, NCAA Division III athletics, and more.
